The writing/illustration team of Jessica Harper and her sister Lindsay Harper duPont brings us “Lizzy’s Do’s and Don’ts,” a cute story about a girl named Lizzie who is a little frustrated. She feels like all her mother ever says is “Don’t.” Don’t do this, don’t do that, don’t do this other thing, and above all else, don’t argue. It’s hard to keep track of all those don’ts.
She’s not allowed to stack all the kitchen chairs on top of each other so she can reach the top shelf. She’s not supposed to bring home containers of sand from the beach. And she’s really not supposed to feed fruit to the cat. Don’t, don’t, don’t.
For some strange reason, she’s even not supposed to lick the dog. Now, where’s the sense in that? The dog is licking her—why can’t she lick him back?
Finally, Lizzie has had enough with all the don’ts, and she tells her mother it’s her turn.
Don’t be too huffy and puffy, and don’t be tough. Don’t put limits on chocolate, and don’t say “don’t” so much!
Don’t be critical, don’t make me wear the yellow dress, and don’t tell me I should have known.
After they’ve both had their say, they got to thinking about it. Maybe they should both pull back on the “don’ts.” Maybe they should concentrate on the “do’s.”
Lizzie goes first with her list. Do hold her close at night when she’s scared of the dark. Do help her with dress-up games. Do play games, go sledding and tell her fairy tales.
Now it’s her mother’s turn. Do go tree climbing. Do share her feelings. Do dress up and enjoy life. And do ask if she’s loved, because the answer will always be a big “yes.”
This story, complete with engaging illustrations, helps show the power of positive rules and how relationships can change when we focus on the good behavior instead of the negative.
(This book was published in 2002 by HarperCollins.)
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